ME332 - P4

BASIC OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH FOR ME

COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
ELECTRICAL HAZARD / SAFETY

GROUP 1
 “ELECTRICAL HAZARDS AND SAFETY”

Introduction:
i. Define the hazard and their significance in workplaces
Electrical Hazards refer to potential dangers posed by the presence of electrical
systems, equipment, or currents in various settings. These hazards can manifest in
numerous ways, including electric shock, electrocution, burns, fires, and explosions.
Working with electricity on the job site can be extremely safe if workers properly identify
and control hazards. However, inadequate training, a lack of experience, and a failure to
recognize potential hazards can lead to electric shock or death.
Electric Shock and Electrocution - When exposed to electricity, you can experience
an electric shock, causing muscle tremors, burns, and possible heart failure. If the
shock is severe enough to cause death, it's called electrocution. The severity of the
shock depends on factors like the voltage, amount of current, path it takes through the
body, and how long the exposure lasts.
Burns - Electricity can create intense heat when it touches your body or flammable
objects, causing thermal burns. Arc flashes, which happen when electricity jumps
between conductors, can release extremely high temperatures (over 35,000 degrees
Fahrenheit) leading to severe burns and potential fires.
Fires and Explosions - Electrical problems, such as overheating or sparks, can set
flammable materials on fire. These fires can be large and potentially explosive.
ii. Importance of Addressing the Risk Associated with the Hazard
Prevention of Accidents - Hazards enable individuals and organizations to take
preventative measures to avoid accidents and injuries.
Protection of Health and Safety - Addressing hazards ensures the protection of
individuals' health and safety in various environments, including workplaces, homes,
and public spaces.
Reduction of Financial Losses - By addressing risks promptly, organizations can
minimize financial losses associated with accidents, insurance claims, and regulatory
penalties.
Employee Well-being: Providing a safe working environment is essential for employee
morale and well-being. Addressing electrical risks shows that the organization values its
employees' safety and prioritizes their health, leading to increased job satisfaction and
productivity.
Types, Causes and Effects:
i. Identify the common types of this hazards
Direct contact with live wires, machinery, or conductive surfaces is referred to as
electrical contact.
Overhead Power Lines - Overhead powered and energized electrical lines have high
voltages which can cause major burns and electrocution to workers.
Damaged Tools and Equipment - Exposure to damaged electrical tools and
equipment can be very dangerous. It can lead you to serious electrical injuries.
Inadequate Wiring and Overloaded Circuits - Using wires with an inappropriate size
for the current can cause overheating and fires to occur.
Exposed Electrical Parts - Refer to any components of an electrical system that are
not adequately protected or insulated and are therefore accessible to contact.
Improper Grounding - The most common OSHA electrical violation is the improper
grounding of equipment. Most of us do not apply proper grounding.
Damaged Insulation- Defective or inadequate insulation is a hazard.
Wet Conditions - Refers to the increased risk of electrical accidents and injuries that
arise when electrical equipment, installations, or work environments come into contact
with water or other liquids.
Substandard Electrical Devices and Wiring Installation - Refer to electrical
equipment and systems that do not meet established safety standards or regulations.

ii. Discuss primary causes and contributing factors to this kind of hazards
Insufficient Insulation – Over time, electrical insulation can deteriorate due to wear
and tear, rodents, or exposure to moisture. This degradation can lead to exposed wires
and increase the risk of electric shock or short circuits.

Lack of Proper Training - Insufficient instruction on electrical safety rules and

procedures.

Circuit Breaker Failure - If the circuit breaker fails to trip during an overload, it loses its
protective functioning, further increasing the risk of electrical hazards.

Poor Wiring and Installation - Inadequate grounding, faulty wiring, and incorrect
electrical system installation.
Damaged Electrical Appliances - Loose connections, frayed wires, or cracked
insulation can result in electrical malfunctions.

Human Error - Errors committed when installing, repairing, or maintaining electrical

components.
Improper Use of Extension Cords - Practices like daisy chaining and overloading can
cause overheating and ignite electrical fires.

Inadequate Maintenance - Failing to regularly inspect electrical systems, ignoring

warning signs, or bypassing safety procedures can trigger severe electrical hazards
over time.

Circuit Overloading - occurs when too many devices are connected to a single circuit,
when the circuit's capacity is exceeded, and when the wrong extension cables or
adapters are used.
iii. Describe the pathways through which individuals may be exposed to his kind
of hazards
Direct Contact - Making direct contact with active electrical components or apparatus.
Indirect Contact - making contact unintentionally with electrified conductive surfaces or
materials.
Arc Flash - Being in close proximity to an electrical arc that produces intense light,
heat, and pressure.
Explosion and Fire - Being near heat, flames, and hazardous fumes from electrical
explosions or fires.
Improper Use of Electrical Equipment - Individuals may unknowingly expose
themselves to hazards by using electrical equipment inappropriately or disregarding
safety precautions. For instance, using damaged extension cords.
iv. Provide specific examples of this kind of hazards and their health impacts (at
least 5)
Electrical Contact - May cause burns, cardiac arrest, electric shock, and spasms in the
muscles.
Overhead Power Lines - Contact with overhead electricity wires can result in fatal
injuries, electrocution, and serious burns.
Improper Use of Equipment - Electric shock, burns, and fires can result from using
damaged or faulty electrical tools and equipment.
Environmental Factors - Electrical shocks, equipment damage, and fires can result
from water or moisture interacting with electrical systems.
Arc Flash - Thermal burns, hearing loss, visual impairment, and traumatic injuries can
all result from exposure to arc flashes.
Hazard Prevention and Mitigation:
i. Exploring strategies for preventing and mitigating this hazards
ii. Discuss the different control measures as mitigation strategies
Overhead Power Lines
● Remember to maintain a minimum distance of 10 feet from overhead power lines
and nearby equipment. Conduct site surveys to ensure that nothing is stored
under overhead power lines.Also, add safety barriers and signs must be installed
to warn nearby non-electrical workers of the hazards present in the area.

Proper Tools and Equipment

● Do not fix anything unless you are qualified to do so. Thoroughly check for
cracks, cuts, or abrasions on cables, wires, and cords. In case of any defects,
have them repaired or replaced.
Proper Wiring and Electrical Circuits
● Use the correct wire suitable for the operation and the electrical load to work on.
Use the correct extension cord designed for heavy-duty use. Make sure not to
overload an outlet. Use (GFCI) outlets and use proper circuit breakers (RCCB).
Perform regular fire risk assessments to identify areas at risk of bad wiring and
circuits.
Enclosed Electrical Parts
● Secure these items with proper guarding mechanisms and always check for any
exposed parts to be repaired immediately.
Proper Grounding
● Make sure that wires are in the proper electrical grounding and always check for
any damaged parts that need to be repaired immediately.
● Proper grounding can eliminate unwanted voltage and reduce the risk of
electrocution. Never remove the metallic ground pin as it is responsible for
returning unwanted voltage to the ground.
Damaged Insulation
● Be aware of damaged insulation and report it immediately. Turn off all power
sources before replacing damaged insulation. Apply electrical tape if there are
any damages in the wires.
Wet Conditions
● Never operate electrical equipment in wet locations. Water greatly increases the
risk of electrocution especially if the equipment has damaged insulation. Have a
qualified electrician inspect electrical equipment that has gotten wet before
energizing it.
Substandard Electrical Devices and Wiring Installation
● To prevent this hazard from happening make sure that the electrical devices are
in compliance with regulations and standards, and implement quality assurance.
For control measures have licensed contractors to install the electrical system.
Have a regular inspection and maintenance schedule routine.
iii. Identify emerging trends and technologies in these fields.
Electrical safety is a vital skill for anyone who works with or near electricity, whether in
construction, maintenance, manufacturing, or other industries. Electrical safety and
Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) are critical aspects of industrial safety that prevent injuries
and fatalities from exposure to hazardous energy sources. However, as technology
evolves and new challenges arise, so do the best practices and solutions for electrical
safety and LOTO. In this part, we will explore some of the emerging trends and
technologies that are shaping the future of electrical safety and LOTO.

1. Notify affected employees - Once it’s been determined a shutdown of equipment or

machines must occur, authorized personnel need to notify all employees who will be
affected by the shutdown.
2. Identify procedure and hazards - If a machine needs maintenance or servicing,
company LOTO procedures apply. As these procedures already exist, it’s easy to
reference them.
3. Shut down - This step requires operating machines or equipment to be shut down.
This can be accomplished through normal stopping procedures like pushing a STOP
button, flipping a switch to an OFF position or closing a valve.
4. Isolate machine from energy source - This step requires isolating the machine or
equipment from its source by using energy-isolating devices. It’s important to note these
devices are not the normal operating controls.
5. Apply lockout tagout devices - A lockout tagout device (e.g., breaker or ball valve
lockout) holds the energy isolating device in a SAFE / OFF position. Safety padlocks
(key or combination) then prevent the removal of the energy-isolating device to ensure
energy cannot flow from its source to the machine. Tagout refers to using a tagout
device on an energy-isolating device. It should be securely fastened to the isolating
device to indicate the energy-isolating device and equipment may not be operated until
the tag is removed.
6. Check stored energy - Once energy-isolating devices are locked out, this step
requires checking for stored energy. All residual energy must be depleted or drained
from the equipment to ensure it’s in a controlled state. If residual energy remains in a
system, it’s a safety risk. You’ll need to relieve pressure, bleed liquids, vent gasses and
release tension in compressed springs until the energy is dissipated.
7. Verify isolation - To verify that the equipment is disconnected from the energy
source, you’ll need to test it. First, check that no personnel can be exposed to the threat
of an energy hazard. Then, verify isolation by trying to operate it. This can include
pushing an ON button or any other operating control, and visually checking gauges.
Then, return the control / button to the OFF position after verifying isolation. By
performing this step, you’re ensuring the machine or equipment is now locked out and
ready for servicing or maintenance.
8. Bring equipment back on line - When the machine or equipment has been serviced
or repaired, it’s time to get the work area and personnel ready for startup.
Over time, your lockout tagout procedures may change. When that happens,
employees will need to be updated. Even minor changes need to be understood and
heeded. And, beyond site-specific procedural changes, everyone will need to follow the
latest updates to the OSHA standard. It’s best to review and revise procedures annually
within your energy program. This will give you the opportunity to fine-tune descriptions
and tweak procedures if there’s a better way in which they can be done.

Emerging Response and Incident Management:

1. Immediate Response

Assess the situation to determine the severity and potential risks involved. Identify any
immediate dangers such as live wires, electrocution hazards, or fires. Alert nearby
individuals of the hazard, and instruct them to stay clear of the area to prevent further
injuries or incidents. Isolate the electrical hazard by shutting off power sources or
disconnecting equipment to prevent further incidents.

2. Emergency Evacuation

Implement pre-established evacuation procedures to ensure the safe and orderly

evacuation of personnel from the affected area. Designate a predetermined assembly
point outside the hazardous area where evacuated personnel can gather to be
accounted for and receive further instructions.

3. First Aid

Provide immediate first aid to any individuals who may have sustained injuries due to
electrical contact, including administering CPR, treating burns, or addressing shock
symptoms.

4. Incident Investigation:

After the immediate threat has been addressed, secure the scene to preserve evidence
and prevent further incidents or injuries. Document all relevant details of the incident,
determine the root causes of the electrical hazard, and implement corrective actions
based on the findings of the investigation to address any deficiencies or weaknesses in
the electrical safety program and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
 ii. OSH programs related to Electrical Hazards

Risk Assessment - Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards in

the workplace, including physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic hazards.

Training - Provide comprehensive safety training to all employees, covering topics such
as hazard recognition, emergency response procedures, proper use of personal
protective equipment (PPE), and safe work practices.

Inspection and Maintenance - conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential

electrical hazards in the workplace, including exposure to live wires, arc flashes, and
electrical fires. Assess the condition of electrical equipment, wiring, and installations to
identify any deficiencies or maintenance needs.

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) - Develop and implement LOTO procedures to control

hazardous energy sources during maintenance, repair, or servicing of electrical
equipment.

Emergency Response - Develop procedures for responding to electrical incidents,

including electric shocks, arc flashes, and electrical fires. Ensure that emergency
response equipment, such as fire extinguishers and first aid kits, is readily available and
maintained in good working condition.

Documentation and Recordkeeping - Maintain records of electrical safety training,

equipment inspections, incident reports, and any corrective actions taken to address
identified hazards. Review and update the electrical safety program regularly to ensure
it remains current and effective in addressing workplace hazards.

iii. Overview of Relevant Regulations, Standards and Guidelines Governing

Electrical Hazards

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):

● General Industry Standard (29 CFR 1910 Subpart S): OSHA's standard for
electrical safety in general industry workplaces. It covers requirements for
working safely with electrical equipment, including wiring methods, components,
and safeguards.
● Construction Industry Standard (29 CFR 1926 Subpart K): OSHA's standard for
electrical safety in construction workplaces. It covers requirements for safe
electrical work practices, including wiring, equipment, and protection from electric
shock and arc flash hazards.

NFPA 70E - Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace:

Provides guidelines for electrical safety practices in the workplace, focusing on
protecting employees from electrical hazards such as arc flash and shock. It outlines
requirements for conducting hazard assessments, establishing safe work practices, and
providing training for employees working on or near electrical systems. Often used as a
reference by employers to develop electrical safety programs and ensure compliance
with OSHA regulations.

National Electrical Code (NEC):

Published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) as NFPA 70, provides
minimum requirements for electrical installations in buildings and structures. It
addresses wiring methods, equipment, and safety standards to protect against electrical
hazards such as electric shock, fires, and explosions.The NEC is widely adopted as the
standard for electrical installations in the United States and is frequently referenced by
OSHA and other regulatory agencies.

Real – World Accidents and Lessons Learned:

The short video shows a real world accident that happened due to electrical shock. The
worker is doing his job that is related to repairing electricity. While doing his work, he
accidentally had an electrical shock. He removed his hands from the wire, however his
surroundings are full of metal conductors which leads him to death.
The lessons we can learn from this short video, is to stay focused, be vigilant on what
you're doing, respect electricity and always use protective gears. First, stay focused, we
should not be complacent even if you're already used to your job. Second, be vigilant at
all times. You cannot predict when electricity triggers. Third, respect electricity, knowing
that it is lethal and power is crucial don't underestimate its ability that can lead you to
death. Lastly, is to really use personal protective equipment (PPE). Even though you're
already an expert in your job, it doesn't mean that you'll no longer use safety equipment.
Using PPE's helps us to lessen or avoid unfortunate events that could lead to tragedies.

Below is the attached video link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXE2Y4DVT4w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a38ZlaKvzjM

Conclusion:
In conclusion, electrical hazards pose significant risks to workers across various
industries, potentially leading to severe injuries, fatalities, and financial losses for
organizations. Understanding and addressing these hazards are crucial steps in
ensuring workplace safety and protecting the well-being of employees.
Through comprehensive risk assessment, adequate training, and the implementation of
appropriate control measures, organizations can effectively prevent and mitigate
electrical hazards. Strategies such as maintaining safe distances from overhead power
lines, using proper tools and equipment, ensuring adequate wiring and circuitry, and
adhering to safety standards and regulations are essential in minimizing the risk of
electrical accidents.

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